Mapping: Software and Services

The more you "get into" mapping and placing GPS tracks and points of interest on maps the more you realize how complicated it can be. Many online services use Google Maps as a base. If Google Maps is taken down, ALL of these services and websites that depend on them will be "out of business". I have almost given up on using Google Maps itself as they keep changing the way they display maps but will not add some of the most requested features. Google will allow you to use their API for non-commercial sites but it can take along time to do just what you want. I will try on this page to discuss and illustrate some options that I have used.

Alltrails

Alltrails has been purchased by National Geographic but not much has changed on the site. After you upload a GPX file, the site creates a nice, clean map of the route. Of course, it saves all your routes in your account. The site also allows you to review trails and to find trails given certain criteria. It will also recommend trails that you might like and these can be filtered by categories. You can also upload photographs that you took while hiking.

AllTrails will not allow information to be loaded into a frame. Click on the link below to see how the site appears.

Mt Ivy to Route 106

mapmyrun

mapmyrun is another site that allows you to create a free account and upload GPS tracks and pictures. One feature of this site is the 3D flyover view which follows the GPS track. This requires that you install the Google Earth plug-in for your browser which can be a problem! It really allowed me to relive the hike. The site posts stats about the hike and has a rating system. It also keeps track of how many miles you have hiked in a week and overall

ACME Mapper 2.0

ACME Mapper 2.0 is a high-precision general purpose mapping application, based on Google Maps with a several added features. It does not display GPS tracks but does a nice job of finding and displaying locations.

Bear Spring Mountain Game Management Area

CalTopo

CalTopo supports many of the features provided by desktop topo software, but because it's online, you can view your data from anywhere and share it with anyone. It also adds a lot of new features to the mix, like layer blending, slope shading and historical maps. It will also create geospatial PDF maps which can be used on apps like Avenza. The app displays the map and a dot which displays your position and moves as you move.

Bear Spring Mountain Game Management Area